Quick Answer
The answer is continuous database mirroring, which is the correct choice because it implements synchronous replication to maintain an identical copy of the database on a secondary server, ensuring every committed transaction is written to both servers simultaneously. This zero data loss backup strategy guarantees a recovery point objective of zero, meaning no committed transactions are ever lost even during a primary server failure. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this question tests your understanding of disaster recovery concepts, specifically how synchronous replication differs from asynchronous methods—a common trap where candidates mistakenly choose periodic backups or log shipping, which introduce data loss. The key distinction is that continuous mirroring requires both servers to acknowledge each write before the transaction is considered complete, making it the only option for transactional databases that cannot tolerate any data loss. Memory tip: think “mirror equals zero gap”—if you can see your reflection, no data is missing.
This CC practice question tests your understanding of business continuity, dr & incident response. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A company is developing a disaster recovery plan for its database server. The database is updated transactionally and cannot tolerate any data loss. Which backup strategy meets this requirement?
Log shipping with 15-minute intervals
Why wrong: Allows up to 15 minutes of data loss.
Full backups nightly
Why wrong: Allows up to 24 hours of data loss.
Continuous database mirroring
Provides real-time replication with zero data loss.
Differential backups every 6 hours
Why wrong: Allows up to 6 hours of data loss.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Continuous database mirroring
Continuous database mirroring (C) is correct because it maintains a synchronous copy of the database on a secondary server, ensuring that every committed transaction is immediately written to both servers. This provides zero data loss (RPO=0) and automatic failover, which is required for a transactional database that cannot tolerate any data loss.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Log shipping with 15-minute intervals
Why it's wrong here
Allows up to 15 minutes of data loss.
Full backups nightly
Why it's wrong here
Allows up to 24 hours of data loss.
Continuous database mirroring
Why this is correct
Provides real-time replication with zero data loss.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Differential backups every 6 hours
Why it's wrong here
Allows up to 6 hours of data loss.
Common exam traps
ISC2 often tests the distinction between synchronous and asynchronous replication methods, and the trap here is that candidates confuse log shipping or differential backups (which have inherent recovery point gaps) with true zero-data-loss solutions like continuous database mirroring.
Detailed technical explanation
Database mirroring operates in synchronous mode (high-safety mode) where the principal server waits for the mirror server to acknowledge a transaction commit before confirming to the client, ensuring zero data loss. This is distinct from asynchronous mirroring or log shipping, which trade RPO for performance. In real-world scenarios, continuous mirroring is often used for critical financial or transactional systems where even a single lost transaction is unacceptable, but it requires low-latency network links to avoid performance degradation.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Business Continuity, DR & Incident Response — This question tests Business Continuity, DR & Incident Response — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Continuous database mirroring — Continuous database mirroring (C) is correct because it maintains a synchronous copy of the database on a secondary server, ensuring that every committed transaction is immediately written to both servers. This provides zero data loss (RPO=0) and automatic failover, which is required for a transactional database that cannot tolerate any data loss.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This CC practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CC exam.
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